Angeliq (Estradiol/Drospirenone)

Angeliq (Drospirenone and Estradiol) is an oral hormone replacement therapy medication used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, sweating, flushing, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. This medication should not be used in women whose only symptom is vaginal dryness. Angeliq is only for use in women who have not had a hysterectomy. Your doctor may prescribe this medication for uses other than the ones listed above. Angeliq contains a combination of a progestin (drospirenone) and an estrogen (estradiol). Drospirenone is a female hormone that helps regulate ovulation and menstruation. Estradiol is a female hormone involved in development and maintenance of the female reproductive system.

Manufacturer Information

Common side effects of Angeliq may include headaches, mood changes, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding, breast pain, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, or fluid retention (swelling, rapid weight gain). Call your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as:

• A lump in your breast;
• Confusion;
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Memory problems;
• Signs of a blood clot
• Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating);
• Signs of high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor);
• Signs of a stroke;
• Sudden vision loss;
• Swelling or rapid weight gain;
• Unusual behaviour;
• Unusual vaginal bleeding;

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor if you notice any side effects not listed above.

You should not use Angeliq if you are allergic to drospirenone or estradiol, or if you have vaginal bleeding, a bleeding disorder, coronary artery disease, a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, kidney disease, liver disease, an adrenal gland disorder, a history of hormone-related cancer, or if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy). Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, a thyroid disorder, gallbladder disease, jaundice caused by pregnancy or taking hormones, high triglycerides, asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, lupus, endometriosis, high levels of calcium or potassium in your blood, low sodium levels, hereditary angioedema, or porphyria. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not breast feed while using this medication. Avoid smoking while using this medication, as it can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack while using this medication. Angeliq has not been approved for use in children.

Angeliq may interact with some medications, including aromatase inhibitors (i.e. anastrozole, exemestane), atazanavir/cobicistat, corticosteroids (i.e. prednisone), ospemifene, raloxifene, tamoxifen, tizanidine, tranexamic acid, and warfarin. This is not a complete list of medications, and others may interact. Tell your doctor about any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of possible interactions.

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